UK at Texas A&M; Noel blocking machine

Posted: Sat 12:50 PM, Feb 02, 2013&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Sat 1:17 PM, Feb 02, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky, (WKYT) - For the first time ever, Kentucky plays in College Station, Texas Saturday night. The Cats can gain revenge over the Aggies for an 83-71 loss in Rupp Arena January 12th. Freshman Nerlens Noel has been on a defensive tear, blocking 46 shots in his last six games. Noel now has 95 blocks on the season.

Kentucky is coming off a critical 87-74 win over Ole Miss Tuesday night. Noel set a school record with 12 blocks in the game. Last season Anthony Davis set the UK season record for blocks with 186. Noel said he's not keeping up with the stats. "Some people tell me what the numbers are, two games or something. I mean, that's something I do want to break, but that's not really the focus of the season, I'm just donig my best for this team."

Against Ole Miss, Noel blocked six shots with four fouls. He said he had to stay agressive and play smart. "Cal told me to stay cautious and they needed me on the court. But I knew I wasn't going to be as effective if I was just laying back and letting them score."

Noel has always been a shot blocker, the best part of his game. At Kentucky hes improved his timing and he's able to keep his balance. "Coming from high school it's just a whole different type of game. Coach Cal definitley helped me with that, did a lot of drills that got me right. I just really got adjusted to the game, this game at this level."

Kentucky plays again on the road, but Noel says the Cats are a different team from the one that lost to the Aggies in Lexington. He knows his defense can take the crowd out of the game. "Oh it's a beautiful thing, to just go in there and quiet them down. Especially when they get high, just bring them right back low and just do our thing and play ball."

Kentucky and Texas A&M tipoff at 6:00 p.m. The game is televised by ESPN.

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